Castaic Lagoon 5/23 AM: My Daughter Gets First LMB

[George Cawthorn]

Hello to all from most of the time sunny California and I hope all of you have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend and celebration!!

God bless America, and God bless all of those in our Armed Forces serving today, and God bless all of those who have served in the past and especially God bless all of the brave patriotic souls who have been wounded or fallen in battle defending and protecting our great nation, our freedom and our way of life as Americans!!!

Let's never forget what Memorial Day is really all about.

Well guys today was one of those days ya just don't soon forget when you're a dad.

My oldest daughter, Genevieve, who believe it or not I have never gone fishing with until today, was able to catch her first LMB at the Lagoon on her first outing there.

Ya don't even want to think of all the guys who've gone there the first time thinking it's gonna be a cakewalk and come up empty........... she and I were both completely stoked.

Genevieve, whom we call DD, is 19 and just finished her first year of college. I was surprised when she asked me to take her fishing... I had been taking the other kids, Mikie and Haley out for some time but for some reason in the past DD had never shown any interest although she had been invited to go with us many times.

Well anyway, the other day she said whe wanted me to teach her how to fish this summer and take her out with us when we went so I got her a license. I was figuring it would be best for me if I went out with her alone the first few times.... ya know just to get her started and teach her the simple basics.

So today I was able to take a comp day from work since I had put in so much OT last week. We got up to the Lagoon at around 6:30 AM and started off the riprap at the south end.

Air temp was 58 and water was 60. This was a big surprise to see a ten degree drop since the other day. Barometer was at 29.5 when we left the house, had fallen last night but bottomed out and was on the way up again slightly.

Tossed out most of the usual goodies and spent a lot of time showing her how to cast with the spinning rod........ figured I'd save the baitcaster action for another time.

Got no love at all down there for two hours, putting out the good stuff on DS and meanwhile soaking PB on pole two for stocker bows. DD was working the DS and I was banging away with the Ika on the baitcaster.

It was kinda breezy and we were lucky that the rain was holding up. It was solid overcast.

Pulled up stakes and headed up to the north end. When we got out of the car and were starting down the trail she took off ahead of me.

I asked her to hold up and let her know that there might be rattlesnakes along the path.

She quickly agreed that I should take the lead.

Hit a few different spots going north from the end of the campground parking lot pretty much all to the bouy line. Water temp was up two degrees at the north end to 62.

I picked up a few bites which I passed off to DD and she took control landing the fish.

Then finally she connected with her own first bite and landed the fish... nice one for a first shot. It was a great feeling that I was able to get her bit on her first shot.

We connected in three different spots with three different color on the DS.

Got bites on the Zoom Tiny Fluke watermellon, Bonzai Cinnamon Neon Core 4" and Roboworm sculpin purple redflake with blue. Lightly rigged dropshots on 5 lb. flourocarbon using #8 Owner mosquito hooks and 5/32 oz mojo slip sinkers crimped at the end set up on a tagline about ten inches long.


So the heat was off, I had been worried, ya know that we'd get zeroed and she would be disappointed.

But it turned out to be Mission Accomplished. Congratulations DD on your first LMB.

I was very, very proud of you today.

The following pics are the first three fish she caught, the third was her best which she connected with solo. Way to go kid....... you're a chip off the ole block.

It started blowing pretty hard from the south around noon and began to rain so we decided to pack it in. All fish were released after photos and along our many spots we packed out about half a bag of trash.

Turned out to be a wonderful morning fishing with my daughter..... can't beat fishing with your kids for a good time.

Good fishing to you guys.... later........... geobass

Please practice Catch and Release on all largemouth bass, thanks!!

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[brendanc]

Geo!!!

You are so right about momorial day... too many of us have lost sight of its true meaning. We should all take time to remember those lost in battle and pray for those who are still protecting our country over seas. The brave souls deserve our highest respect and gratitude.

19 years old and this was her first time out! I guess it is never to late for anything in life. I can only imagine how you must have felt finally getting to share a passion like fishing with your daughter. (Nice catch DD)

Have a great weekend...

Brendan